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Sunscreen test! Which one is the best?

Does the sunny spring weather always lift your spirits? We absolutely love it here at Notino. Whether you are on holiday in a tropical paradise, taking a walk in the countryside, or just going shopping in the baking hot city centre, you should never forget to apply a good-quality sunscreen. Want to know which ones are the best? Read on and find out the results of our sunscreen test. Then off you go into the sunshine!

When choosing the best sunscreen, you need to follow a few simple rules:

• The SPF should match your phototype, which basically means that the lighter your skin and the more easily you burn, the higher the factor you should get.

• You should also take your skin type into account: for sensitive skin, opt for an unperfumed lotion by a dermocosmetics brand, or for dry skin try a moisturising lotion with a more liquid consistency.

• And if you are planning to go into the water, or take part in some kind of activity that will make you sweat, choose a waterproof product.

Even once you have sorted out the lotions following our rules, you still have a huge number of suitable products to choose from. Which do you go for? Try one from our test.

The best sunscreens: review

I asked the experts – our product specialists – to choose the best sunscreens. So as not to have to test the lotions on my own, I got three of my colleagues, Lucie, Kate and Ivana, to take part in the test with me. Each of them tried them out in a different environment. What did we find out in our sunscreen test?

Lucie P.

I’m not really the kind of person who spends hours lazing on the beach to get a tan. Having said that, I still spend a lot of time outside in the sun. I tested two sunscreens while shopping in town and sitting outside in a beer garden.

Here are the results:

Vichy Idéal Soleil Capital SPF 30 Milk

Fragrance: 5

Ease of application: 5

Absorption: 3

Reliable burn protection: 5

If you have drier skin like me, you’ll love the beautifully liquid Vichy Idéal Soleil Capital sunscreen. It applies just perfectly, and it also softens and smooths your skin pleasantly without leaving a greasy film. But be careful you don’t get it on your clothes. I put a vest on shortly afterwards and it left white streaks, so make sure you let it become fully absorbed first. The ingredients are hypoallergenic and it contains no parabens, so you won’t end up with a rash. I really love the pleasant yet unobtrusive scent. It kept me protected from the sun, plus it is waterproof and promises to repel sand – something you’re sure to appreciate in summer on a sandy beach! Recommended.

Clinique Sun SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face

Fragrance: none

Ease of application: 3

Absorption: 5

Reliable burn protection: 5

The Clinique Sun sunscreen for the face is a great choice for sensitive and problem skin. Right after application, it left a thin white layer on my face, but it was quickly absorbed and my skin stayed nice and matte, which is just what I expect from a good facial sunscreen. Plus the lotion does not block your pores at all and worked perfectly as a makeup base: invaluable in the city. The lotion is fragrance-free and contains mineral filters, and so it does not subject your face to unnecessary chemicals and you don’t need to worry about it giving you spots. For me, the perfect companion for summer and one that you can keep in your handbag thanks to the small and practical container.

Lucie F.

My colleague Lucie really put her sunscreens to the test. She went to tropical Vietnam and tested them on the sunny beaches. Which one was her favourite?

Bioderma Photoderm Bronz Dry Oil Spray SPF30

Fragrance: 3

Ease of application: 5

Absorption: 4

Reliable burn protection: 4

When it comes to Photoderm by Bioderma, the thing I would highlight is its ease of application. The tanning oil is beautifully easy to apply, leaving the skin oily for just a couple of minutes before being absorbed perfectly. The fragrance of the oil is floral and very strong – I wasn’t a big fan. It protected me reliably from burning, but you need to reapply it regularly – when you’re at the beach always do it after going into the sea a couple of times.

Shiseido Sun Protection Lotion SPF15

Fragrance: 5

Ease of application: 3

Absorption: 5

Reliable burn protection: 5

For me, the Shiseido Sun Protection lotion was a winner, and not just because of the container, which is space-saving, has a good cap, and fits into your pocket or handbag. The thing that really surprised me was how long it lasted and its reliable burn protection at the beach, despite the fact it is only SPF15. This lotion is thicker, and is not as easy to apply, but it is absorbed fast and lasts for up to five hours. The fragrance is pleasant and was my favourite of the three sunscreens I tried. I don’t know what to compare it with, but it reminded me a little of fabric softener 😉.

Ivana L.

My colleague Ivana tested the lotion in her back garden. What did she think of it?

Piz Buin Instant Glow SPF30 Skin Illuminating Sun Lotion

Fragrance: 4

Ease of application: 5

Absorption: 5

Reliable burn protection: 5

I’m one of those people with sensitive skin who burns as soon as the spring sun makes an appearance, so Piz Buin Instant Glow was a pleasant surprise for me. It is easy to apply and does not leave the usual white film. The lotion contains tiny, discreet bits of glitter that subtly illuminate your skin in the sun. It is absorbed immediately and does not block the pores, which is why I think it is the ideal companion either on holiday or just for wandering around town each day after work. You won’t feel anything on your skin within a couple of minutes, but it is perfectly protected. The fragrance is unusual for a sunscreen, and I’d compare it with the scent of sweet apples. However, the smell goes soon after you’ve applied it, which I like as it doesn’t clash with my perfume. I am satisfied with the lotion and can really recommend it, even to people with really sensitive skin.

Kate F.

Kate went on holiday to the lakes with her sunscreens and used them even on challenging walks. How did they do?

Biotherm Lait Hydratant Solaire SPF30 Milk

Fragrance: 5

Ease of application: 4

Absorption: 5

Reliable burn protection: 5

I really like the Biotherm brand because it contains thermal water and is full of bioactive ingredients. It is great that you can use the lotion on the face and body so you don’t have to carry two different lotions with you. It is a good-quality container, so the product doesn’t leak and you don’t end up getting too much out. I also loved the beautiful fragrance of Biotherm Lait Solaire and the lightness of the product. It was lovely and cooling and lasts for a while. The only negative for me is that when I moved about, the lotion left little blobs on my skin. Otherwise, it is my favourite for summer 2018 😊.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Lotion SPF30

Fragrance: 2

Ease of application: 4

Absorption: 5

Reliable burn protection: 4

The La Roche-Posay Anthelios sunscreen really has such a light texture and fast absorption. After applying it, I didn’t feel as if it was on my skin, which some people will be happy about, but I prefer it when I can feel there’s something there. The lotion is waterproof, but you do need to apply it again after swimming. Sweat, though, has no effect on it, even on a really strenuous hike. The thing I didn’t much like about the lotion was the scent. The manufacturers say it is unperfumed but it still has that classic sunscreen smell. Having said that, I must highlight the fact that it is suitable for sensitive skin, so it isn’t irritating at all. I even tried it on a fresh tattoo and it felt a lot better than the Biotherm lotion.

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